independents' day

Independent’s Day

A Free Educational & Networking Event for Independent Retailers

The retail landscape is changing rapidly and all stores — whether mass, specialty, independent, gift or some combination of these — are looking for ways to evolve, compete and win in this new economy.

The International Housewares Association recognizes the unique challenges – and opportunities – that come with being an independent retailer of home goods in 2020. In addition to developing attractions and programming for independent retailers during the four days of The Inspired Home Show 2020, formerly the International Home + Housewares Show, will be holding a 1/2 day educational and networking event that focuses exclusively on how to succeed as an independent retailer in today’s market.

Join us before the Show opens to the larger industry — and take advantage of the insights and inspiration from a variety of speakers and topics.

Agenda

Friday, March 13

Vista Ballroom, S406A, South Building

12:45 PM

Check-In

1:00 PM

How On-Trend Products Can Make In-Store Shopping a Must and Bolster Store Sales and Profits

2:30 PM

Networking Break

3:00 PM

Catching Like Wildfire: Using Social Influencers

3:45 PM

Sidelines That Sell, Merchandise Strategies to Help Your Store Succeed

Ari Lowenstein, Past President, Gift Sales Manager Association

4:30 PM

Overview — The Inspired Home Show

4:45 PM

Networking Cocktail Reception

RSVP for Independents’ Day

To RSVP for Independents’ Day You MUST Register for the Show​

This offer is exclusive to independent retailers that sell home + housewares goods. If you have already registered for your Show badge, all you have to do is RSVP for Independents’ Day. If you have not registered for your show badge, you must do so in addition to RSVPing for this event. Please contact Kristin Cihon with any questions.

RSVP for Independents' Day

There is no charge to participate. Seating is limited, and an RSVP is required.

Martin M. Pegler

1923 — 2020

Martin M. Pegler was a professor for thirty years in the Display & Exhibit Design Department at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. A leading expert in his field for over 60 years, Martin hosted seminars in the United States as well as in Latin America, Europe and the Pacific Rim. He authored over 80 books and his textbook, Visual Merchandising and Display, is used in universities around the world. Martin was presented with a lifetime achievement award by PAVE, the Planning & Visual Education Partnership that supports retail design education for students and educators. He was also inducted into the Visual Merchandising and Display Industries’ Hall of Fame.

Martin worked with gia from the beginning of the gia program in 2000, as an Expert Juror, and since 2016 as an honorary member of the gia Expert Jury. To honor Martin’s leadership role with the program, the Top Window Award was renamed the “Martin M. Pegler Award for Excellence in Visual Merchandising” in 2008. Also that year, he was presented with an honorary gia Award for Lifetime Achievement.